DIY Window Installation Troubleshooting in Providence, Massachusetts

March 25, 2015

Your satisfaction with your Pella windows and doors is our highest priority. Should you have a problem with your Pella product that you think might be related to the window’s installation, completing the following steps may help determine if the product is installed level, square and plumb.

First, take a level and place it on the frame of the product, across the bottom or sill. Do not place it on the sashes or panels of the product because it may produce an inaccurate reading. The bubble of your level should rest in the center, demonstrating the product is installed level.

Next, check plumb of your window or door. Plumb means the window or door is straight down or up, vertically. To test for plumb, set your level on the two vertical side jambs on the exterior face to ensure the product is plumb from the inside out. Next, you’ll check for plumb from left to right by placing the level on each of the two sides. The bubble should fall in the midpoint on both sides, indicating the product is installed plumb.

Third, you can check for bowing by measuring the unit horizontally across the top, middle and bottom. The measurements of these three places should all be equal, plus or minus 1/8 inch. It’s important to always measure to and from a single point on both sides for consistency. Finally, determind if your window or door is square by measuring from each corner to the other in an X fashion on the outside of the product. The measurements should be within 1/8 inch of each other to indicate the product is
installed square.

You can also check the reveal, where the sash meets the frame. The gap should have the same look from top to bottom and left to right. Each side of your product should appear the same, demonstrating the product is installed level, square, and plumb.

Doing a little troubleshooting on your own can offer helpful information to resolve a problem. If it turns out that you have stumbled upon one, or even a couple, of these issues, stop by the Pella Window and Door Showroom in Providence or give us a call at 508-413-3004.